Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians and Association Finalize Three-Year Labor Contract with 15.8% Wage Increase

15

The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and its musicians have confirmed a new labor deal that will elevate minimum salaries by 15.8% across a span of three years.

Unveiled on Saturday evening, the pact with Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians is set to be effective from September 11 of the current year until September 13, 2026. The wage escalations stipulated in the agreement are 6% for the initial year, followed by 4.5% in both the second and third years. This new accord takes the place of a prior four-year contract, which reached its term on September 10.

In a joint statement, Ralph W. Muller and Michael D. Zisman, who serve as co-chairs of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc., noted, “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s unprecedented disruptions, both parties were tasked with identifying a fiscally responsible and sustainable course for the future.”

The union has stipulated that the agreement mandates the management to incrementally augment the number of musicians employed each year. It also calls for the maintenance of a contractual workforce comprising 105 musicians and two librarians. Musicians filling in as substitutes or additional players will be entitled to 100% of the full-time musicians’ salaries by the third service year and will be compensated if their scheduled performances are cancelled on less than a fortnight’s notice.

Furthermore, the new contract abolishes a reduced overtime rate for film performances and mandates two days of respite following the majority of Sunday concerts.

David Fay, a double bassist who has been a part of the orchestra since 1984 and chairs the musicians’ committee, declared, “This contract symbolizes a triumph both for the current ensemble and for the future of the Philadelphia Orchestra.” He went on to laud the orchestra’s music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, for his demonstrable respect and support for a just agreement.

For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the base salary has been set at $152,256, which also includes remuneration under the electronic media agreement. As part of the contract, the union disclosed that each musician would receive an auxiliary payment ranging from $750 to $1,500 annually.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who has held the position of music director since the 2012-2013 season, was seen wearing a blue T-shirt endorsing the union during a public rehearsal at Saratoga on August 11.

It is noteworthy that the orchestra had filed for bankruptcy in 2011 but successfully emerged from it the following year. A labor strike by the musicians took place on September 30, 2016, leading to the cancellation of the season’s opening night, but an accord was reached just two days later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Philadelphia Orchestra labor agreement

More about Philadelphia Orchestra labor agreement

• Philadelphia Orchestra Official Website
• American Federation of Musicians Local 77
• Kimmel Center Inc. Official Website
• Historical Overview of Philadelphia Orchestra’s Labor Relations
• Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s Biography and Career
• U.S. Labor Laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Impact of COVID-19 on Performing Arts Organizations